Alexander O'Neal claims his time in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' was so "stressful and volatile" that it drove him to relapse and take crack cocaine when he quit the show last month

The 'Criticize' hitmaker - who has been to rehab for drug addiction in the past - has confessed to relapsing after leaving the reality show house last month.

A spokesman for the star said: "It has been extensively reported how this series of CBB has been one of the most stressful and volatile in the history of the show.

"It has been documented in the past that Alexander has had issues that have led to him seeking professional help and treatment.

"This was a momentary relapse, completely out of his recent character and behaviour and he will certainly be addressing and dealing with this immediately.

"Alexander has a lot of positive projects to look forward to over the next few months, including a tour and new material he is working on, and hopes this momentary lapse will not interfere with those.

"He asks his fans to forgive him and apologises if he has let any of you down."

The 61-year-old star decided to quit the Channel 5 show last month following a number of arguments with Perez Hilton, including an incident during which he called the 36-year-old gossip blogger a f****t.

Staff at the hotel in Wembley, north London where Alexander is reported to have been staying since his departure from CBB claim he often takes drugs during his visits to Britain.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "He has been staying there at the hotel for weeks and always asks for the top floor because it is the only one you can smoke on.

"You could smell the drugs in the corridor. He has looked shocking when he did come out."

Alexander discussed his substance abuse problems with fellow housemate Keith Chegwin - who is a former alcoholic - during his time on the show.

He was heard saying: "I've been in several treatments for drugs... Cocaine.

"The counsellor was saying, 'You're never going to get off the drugs unless you get that chip off your shoulder'."